As a Samoan, it is a part of our culture that we start and end with God, so please excuse me as I am inclined to pray that my words find you all in good health. You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you - John Bunyan. Since Ive been here at Manoa, this woman has selflessly fought in favor of Pacific Islanders at this university. I am grateful for her passion and drive to increase the PI presence in higher education. I can attest to her service - she works hard for me, even when I neglect to work for myself. At this moment, she and her colleagues are writing up a proposal for the UH Board of Regents. The board is composed of 15 regents, nominated by the Regents Candidate Advisory Council, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the legislature. There is currently a policy that enforces Pacific Islanders (from American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Futuna, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis) to pay 150% of the in-state tuition, and if that isnt already enough, the tuition continues to rise. In the past 3 years that I have been here, the tuition alone has already increased by almost $1,000 (not including other mandatory fees). Yes, there is a way to establish residency, but this current policy requires the demonstration of intent of residency in accordance with these following documents: State of Hawaiʻi personal income tax, filing as a resident, State of Hawaiʻi Voter Certificate, State of Hawaiʻi General Excise License, Employment verification, Bank account active in Hawaiʻi, Lease agreement, Proof of property ownership - and not all PI students are able to apply for this status. We are currently collecting testimonies for a petition to help with our proposal. These testimonies are statements made in favor of rescinding the policy, so that all Pacific Island students will be eligible to pay in-state tuition. A decrease of 50% will be more than helpful in decreasing the burden and sacrifices made in seeking higher education. The testimony can be no longer than a few sentences, and they can also be several pages. We need your help. You may not attend/have attended UH Manoa, but you may know someone who does. Please feel free to write about any struggles one may face in seeking higher education in relation to finances, and how a decrease will help PI students. Help us spread the word! Dr. Tina Tauasosi is my personal hero here at my school. She is my university mom. She works endlessly behind the curtains, and I always try to remind her that her efforts are greatly appreciated. I hope she knows that through my eyes, she is living every day, because I will never be able to repay her for all the help she has given me. As we are all a part of the Pacific, I am inclined to believe that religion is also important in Hawaii and I can only pray that we are all offered the same amount of opportunities at the same amount of cost. Go with God. Alofa tele atu! *For more information and/or submission of testimony, please feel free to send me a message here on FB or contact Dr. Tina: Office - (808) 956-9745, Email - tina.posiulai@gmail
Posted on: Sun, 02 Mar 2014 23:21:06 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015